Southern California Close-Ups: Pasadena and environs

Ricardo DeAratanha, Los Angeles Times

The Colorado Street Bridge is better known among locals as ''Suicide Bridge." On the lower left is the old U.S. courthouse (125 S. Grand Ave.), once the Vista del Arroyo Hotel and, before that, a boardinghouse.

The Colorado Street Bridge is better known among locals as ''Suicide Bridge." On the lower left is the old U.S. courthouse (125 S. Grand Ave.), once the Vista del Arroyo Hotel and, before that, a boardinghouse. (Ricardo DeAratanha, Los Angeles Times)

The iconic Gamble House (4 Westmoreland Place) was designed by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908. It opens for tours four days a week and has a great bookshop in the garage.

The iconic Gamble House (4 Westmoreland Place) was designed by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908. It opens for tours four days a week and has a great bookshop in the garage. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)